Waqanivavalagi laid to rest

Pallbearers carry the coffin of the late Sakiasi Nawaikama Waqanivavalagi on his final journey to the burial site after the memorial church service at the Centenary Methodist Church in Suva yesterday.
Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU

THE body of the late Sakiasi Nawaikama Waqanivavalagi was laid to rest yesterday following a service at the Centenary Methodist Church in Suva.

It was indeed a sad day for families, friends and colleagues who all came to pay their final respects to a man who dedicated much of his life to Fiji and to the service of Fijians through the St John Ambulance — Fiji National Council.

Waqanivavalagi, who was a minister in Ratu Mara's Alliance government post-independence as well as the Public Service Commission chairman and the St John Ambulance — Fiji National Council chair was called to rest over a week ago at the CWM Hospital in Suva.

In displaying their gratefulness to the man many referred to as tamana, all members of the St John Ambulance — Fiji National Council turned up to bid farewell one last time.

"His tireless efforts, leadership and commitment have seen the expansion and provision of ambulance services, caregiving, first aid assistance, first aid training and youth cadet programs to many individuals, households, communities and corporate bodies in Fiji," recalled the St John Ambulance — Fiji's representative in his eulogy.

Eulogies were also given by Waqanivavalagi's brother, son, grandchildren and representatives from Kadavu in the iTaukei language.

His family in Nairobi were also included in the church service through a Skype call made to them during the service.